Bowel Preparation

You will be advised by Dr Mirmilstein if you need Bowel Prep before your surgery. The majority of Laparoscopic procedures require special Bowel Prep. This is done to make sure the bowel is not distended and get in the way of the operation. This will help reduce the chance of complications during your surgery and reduce anaesthetic risks.

Day before Surgery

• Absolutely no solids from midday.
• Clear fluid includes any fluid you can see through to the other side.

Take 1 sachet /packet of PICOPREP mixed with water at 2pm.Dr Mirmilstein would have given you a prescription. (Picoprep is a medication that will clean out your bowels. This will give you diarrhoea so take the rest of the day off at home.)

If you are normally constipated, a second sachet may be required at 10pm that night if no loose stools have occurred by that time.

Day of Surgery

Morning surgery:

• Have nothing to eat or drink from midnight (this includes water). That is nothing in the mouth at all, not even a lolly / gum.

Afternoon surgery:

• Have nothing to eat or drink from 6am (this includes water). That is nothing in the mouth at all, not even a lolly / gum.

SUGGESTIONS FOR CLEAR FLUIDS

Keep up water intake at minimum 1.5 - 2 litres 24 hours before surgery: i.e. at least 6 usual sized cups. You should have only fluids like soups, jellies, cordials, juices or similar drinks in the 24 hours prior to the surgery.